Personal Hygiene Implement For Personal Use

ABSTRACT

A personal hygiene device is disclosed. The device includes a toothbrush; and a display for displaying interactive representations, which are controllable from the display by means of a control device. The control device includes a game controller for controlling a video game on the display and an information controller for making information available on the display, such that a switching device operable by a switching key located on at least the toothbrush or the display is provided for switching between the game presentation generated by the game controller and the information presentation generated by the information controller.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT2010/052257, filed May 20, 2010, the substance of which isincorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a personal hygiene implement forpersonal use. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to apersonal hygiene implement in the form of a toothbrush as well as adisplay device for displaying interactive representations which can beinteractively controlled from the personal hygiene instrument by meansof a control device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to encourage regular brushing of the teeth, screens or displaysupon which video games are presented are provided on tooth brushinginstruments; these can be interactively controlled from the toothbrush.Children, in particular, will be motivated by the added entertainment tobrush their teeth regularly. As an alternative or an addition to thepure entertainment, instructions for efficient and effective cleaning ofthe teeth can be displayed, for example, such that the user of thetoothbrush follows the sequenced images.

For example, WO 2007/112112 A1 describes a teeth brushing device inwhich on the base station used for charging the toothbrush a display isprovided on which video games are shown while the teeth are beingbrushed. The video game can be controlled from the toothbrush. On theone hand, the toothbrush contains manually actuated input buttons forinputting commands for the video game. On the other, by means of varioussensors, cleaning parameters such as contact pressure and theaccelerations that occur during the cleaning movements are recorded,whereby the video game is controlled on the display with the aid ofthese recorded parameters. In order to show the video game that isappropriate for a particular user, the add-on portion of the toothbrushis identified by an identification code, as a function of which thevideo game or its rules are selected. Even though this allows a certainadaptation to an individual user, the degree of personalization and alsothe adaptability are limited by the particular needs.

US 2008/0102953 A1 also describes a toothbrush which is designed as aninput device for controlling a game console from which a video game canbe operated. A sensor that is attached to the toothbrush detects brushmovements and the movement signals generated by the toothbrush controlthe movements of a virtual game object in the video game.

US 2006/0040246 A1 describes an electric toothbrush which can be storedand charged on a base station. The base station contains a display onwhich an interactive game such as, for instance, PAC-MAN® is presented.The toothbrush communicates wirelessly with the control device tooperate the game, which becomes activated either when the toothbrush isremoved from the base station or a start button located on thetoothbrush is pressed. Sensors on the toothbrush record the movements ofthe toothbrush, which are then used to control movements of the gamecharacters or the game components on the screen. In order to operateother games, various storage modules can be employed. The more cleverlythe game depicted on the screen is played, the more points are given tothe player.

DE 10153863 A1 concerns a toothbrush, onto the end of the handle ofwhich a ball-shaped display component may be attached, on which theresults of the cleaning which have been recorded by means of sensors canbe displayed or a game can be presented for children after theteeth-cleaning process has been completed. However, no provision is madefor the game shown on the display to be interactively controlled fromthe toothbrush; instead the program presented on the display iscontrolled by input buttons located on the display component itself, sothat the entertainment value and the learning effect are limited. Theactual screen of the display component is fitted into the ball-shapedstructure of the display component where it is covered by a dome-shaped,translucent cover made of scratch and acid resistant plastic.

Other teeth cleaning devices having a display on which interactivelycontrollable games are presented are described by US 2008/0141478 and US2008/0141476, whereby several toothbrushes can communicate with oneanother such that games like “Rock, Paper, Scissors” can be playedcompetitively. However, in these designs the displays are locateddirectly on the handles of the toothbrushes, which means that a gamethat motivates the proper cleaning of the teeth cannot be played duringthe actual cleaning process.

The goal of this invention is to create an improved personal hygieneinstrument of the type described at the beginning, but one which avoidsthe disadvantages of state of the art instruments and simultaneouslyfurther develops the state of the art. In particular an improvedadaptation of the way the display is used to the various needs must beachieved and the interaction between various users of the device and thedisplay device must be made easier.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a personal hygiene device is provided. The deviceincludes a toothbrush; and a display for displaying interactiverepresentations, which are controllable from the display by means of acontrol device. The control device includes a game controller forcontrolling a video game on the display and an information controllerfor making information available on the display, such that a switchingdevice operable by a switching key located on at least the toothbrush orthe display is provided for switching between the game presentationgenerated by the game controller and the information presentationgenerated by the information controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature andnot intended to limit the invention defined by the claims. The followingdetailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understoodwhen read in conjunction with the following drawings, where likestructure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1: shows a schematic presentation of a personal hygiene instrumentin the form of a teeth brushing device that incorporates a toothbrush aswell as a display device for displaying an interactively controllableteeth brushing game, both of which can be recharged on a base station,

FIG. 2: shows a schematic representation of the running of theinteractively controllable teeth brushing game on the screen of thedisplay device, whereby the stated display device is shown in severalrepresentations at different points of time in the game;

FIG. 3: shows a schematic view of the toothbrush stored on the basestation, which shows its ability to rock back and forth on the basestation in order to describe the magnetically functioning holding setup;

FIG. 4: shows a sectional presentation of a manually actuated navigationkey on the toothbrush which is used for controlling the avatar of theinteractively controllable game;

FIG. 5: shows a schematic view of a switching key on the display devicewhich is used for changing the screen contents;

FIG. 6: shows a schematic, sectional presentation of screen control keyson the handle of the personal hygiene instrument;

FIG. 7: shows a sequence diagram for the embodiment having an actionkey;

FIG. 8: shows a sequence diagram for controller having sensors and atrainings mode;

FIG. 9: shows a sequence diagram for adjusting an animation;

FIGS. 10.1 to 10.3: show sequence diagrams of section A without feedbackor training mode; and

FIG. 11: shows an additional sequence diagram.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following text sets forth a broad description of numerous differentembodiments of the present disclosure. The description is to beconstrued as exemplary only and does not describe every possibleembodiment since describing every possible embodiment would beimpractical, if not impossible. It will be understood that any feature,characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step ormethodology described herein can be deleted, combined with orsubstituted for, in whole or part, any other feature, characteristic,component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodologydescribed herein. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented,using either current technology or technology developed after the filingdate of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of theclaims. All publications and patents cited herein are incorporatedherein by reference.

According to the present disclosure, a personal hygiene implement in theform of a toothbrush as well as a display device for displayinginteractive representations is provided. In one embodiment, the screenof the display device may be used not only for the presentation, or therunning, of a video game, but also for displaying other information andgiving the user of the device the possibility of switching between thevideo game and display of the desired information. The nature of suchinformation can vary; for example, it can provide the level of thedevice's battery charge or the amount of cleaning time that has alreadyelapsed, or it can indicate which add-on part is being used.

In one embodiment, the user of the device can at his/her completediscretion switch back and forth between various display modes and inthis way adapt the screen presentation to his/her needs. In accordancewith one embodiment, the control device incorporates a game controllerfor operating a video game on the display device and also an informationcontroller for displaying information on the display device, whereby aswitching device which can be actuated by a switch key is provided forswitching from the game display generated by the game controller to theinformation display generated by the information controller and/or viceversa. The aforementioned game and information controllers need not beseparate hardware modules, but may be various software modules within amutual microcontroller. Instead of the video game or in additionthereto, information and comments concerning the cleaning process andthe current and/or previous cleaning times can be presented. Also otheradult functions that are designed more in terms of the informationcontent for adults can be presented on the display device. Anadult-version provides alternatively not only the possibility ofswitching from a game to information, but also from an initial displayto a second display.

The information that can be displayed in addition to the video game canvary considerably in nature and can, for instance, provide fixedinformation that has been pre-stored or the current value of anoperational parameter. In an advanced embodiment of the invention thedisplay device can also show analyses that are generated from previouslyrecorded operational parameters of the personal hygiene instrumentand/or recorded ambient parameters. In another embodiment, the controldevice incorporates an analysis unit for evaluating recorded operationalparameters and/or ambient parameters, whereby the switching device canbe coupled to the analysis device such that whoever is operating thedevice may switch from the video game to the analysis presentations bypressing the switch key.

The switch key can basically be located any place. To enable simpleoperation even during cleaning and to enable easy switching duringcleaning as well, a switch key is provided on the cleaning instrument sothat the user of the device can switch the screen presentation asdesired while manually operating the cleaning instrument. In oneembodiment, the switch key is provided on the handle of the cleaninginstrument, more precisely, in an area in which one of the user's fingertips comes to rest.

In another embodiment, a switch key can also be provided on the displaydevice itself so that the desired screen presentation can be called updirectly on the display device. This is particularly advantageous inconnection with the previously mentioned analysis unit so thatoperational parameter analyses can be called up on the display deviceafter the cleaning process has been completed. This enables, forexample, parents to easily monitor the way in which their children arebrushing their teeth by actuating the switch key and calling up theanalysis data stored in the control device.

In another embodiment, a switch key can also be provided on the basestation on which the cleaning instrument and/or the display device canbe stored and/or docked and/or charged.

The material displayed on the screen can be switched in various ways andby various means. For example, the screen displays can be graduallyfaded over. In another embodiment, a simultaneous, miniaturizedpresentation of both screen representations can be accomplished by useof a split screen approach. In one embodiment, the particular desiredscreen contents are, however, replaced completely at random.

In another embodiment, the back and forth switching of the screenrepresentations can be accomplished automatically. A switching controlprovided for this purpose actuates the switching device automaticallywhenever the personal hygiene instrument is in a predeterminedoperational condition. In another embodiment, this can include a timecontrol, for example, to the effect that after a predetermined time haselapsed, beginning—for example—with the start of a game the screenrepresentation is automatically switched to the information screen. Inanother embodiment, the switch to the information screen can occur upona predetermined game event in the video game controlled by the gamecontroller, for example, such that a data analysis of the cleaningprocess is shown on the screen only after the game has been successfullycompleted.

In another embodiment, the switching device can also inlay aninformation display whenever an analysis unit detects and analyzes anincorrect or less than perfect use of the personal hygiene instrument.For example, an instructions display can be inlaid to replace a videogame, whenever a teeth cleaning process is being carried out with toomuch contact pressure along with incorrect movements of the toothbrush.

In another embodiment, such instructions can also be inlaid in the formof a change in the content of the video game, for example, for thepurpose of changing the gestures and facial expressions of an animatedcharacter, changing the coloring of a body part that is to be cared for,or inlaying special pictograms into the presentation of the video game,for example, in the form of a Stop sign, a crossed-through arrow, or thelike.

The switching device can be manually actuated in different ways. In anembodiment, the input device that is provided can have an actuation keyfor actuating the switching device by pressing on the key, touching it,and/or coming close to it. More precisely, a mechanical pressure keyand/or a graphic touch screen key can be used.

In another embodiment, to an actuation key that works tactilely, theinput device can be designed such that it functions without contact, forexample, the input device can be equipped with a movement sensor fordetecting movement of a body part. In one embodiment, the switch key canhave various actuation modes for actuating the switching device invarious switching directions and/or in various switching types. Moreprecisely, the switch key can be actuated in various ways in order toeffect various switching processes. For example, whenever the switch keyis actuated just once, the next screen presentation in a series ofdifferent screen images can be brought up. Conversely, for example, whenthe switch key is double-clicked or actuated two times, the screenimages in the series can be run through in reverse. In anotherembodiment, when the key is depressed and held down for a period of timeit can bring up a main presentation, i.e., a video game.

In order to enable a better adaptation of the representations shown onthe display device to the particular operator of the device, moreprecisely, to be able to adapt the game running on the device to theparticular user, a selection device for selecting several games to beshown on the display device can be provided in one embodiment, so thatthe game that is suited for the user of the equipment can be presented.For this purpose, several games and associated presentation data can bestored in a storage device, so that after being selected by theselection device they can be appropriately brought to the display devicefrom the game controller and operated. For example, a simpler game maybe selected for a young child than one which would be selected for anolder child.

In another embodiment, the personal hygiene instrument can contain aremovable storage and/or an interface into which various storage mediacontaining various games can be placed, so that the selection can behandled by various storage media. The storage and/or the interface canbasically be located at various places, for example, it can bepositioned directly on the display device. In another embodiment, aninterface for importing new game software and/or downloading thesoftware can be provided.

In another embodiment, a simple individualization of the game beingpresented on the display device can also be achieved by assigning theparticular storage medium to an add-on component that can be placed on ahandle of the personal hygiene instrument and/or docked on it. Forexample, a RFID chip can be available on the add-on component, whichstores appropriate game information which can be called up andtransferred to the games controller, which takes the respective gamesinformation to the display device for presentation.

In another embodiment, just an identification code can be stored on thementioned add-on component, with which pertinent game information thatis linked to it is deposited in a storage at another place, so that byscanning the identification code of the add-on component that is dockedat the time at another place the stored game information can be calledup.

In one embodiment, the stored data can be programmably addressed so thata user of the device can determine which set of data is brought to thedisplay device for viewing upon identification of a particular add-oncomponent. To enable an even more extensive individualization of thescreen presentations, in a further embodiment, not only is selectionbetween previously configured screen representations possible, but alsomodification, altering and/or generation of screen representationsare/is made possible.

In one embodiment, the stored representations that are to be shown onthe display device by means of an input device located on the personalhygiene instrument may be designed individually modifiable and/orformable in order to be stored in the storage module linked to anindividual code. The individual programmability of the representationsbeyond the selection of previously stored variations allows multipleadaptation of the use of the display device to various needs. Themodifiability of the representations can in this regard be designed invarious ways. For example, stored representations can have anon-modifiable basic section and at least one supplemental insertionsection for supplementing the stored presentation by an individuallyformed presentation. For example, name windows can be individuallyprogrammable in the stored representations to identify, for example, ananimated avatar by a special name, which is then presented together withthe avatar on the display device. This makes it possible, for example,to generate individually identified figures in video games.

The previously mentioned input device for individually modifying and/orforming the representations can basically be designed in different ways.For example, a touch screen can be provided to input the individualmodifications and/or forms, whereby, more precisely, the display devicecan itself have a display element in the form of such a touch screen, sothat alterations of the representations can be made individually.

In another embodiment, an input device can be provided in the form of aprogramming control key, for example, in the form of a cursor controlkey for clicking display switch buttons and/or input commands, wherebysuch a programming control key can be located on the display deviceand/or a base station. Such a programming control key can also belocated on the personal hygiene instrument so that the representationscan be formed on the display device from the personal hygieneinstrument.

In another embodiment, such a control key can, especially when it islocated on the personal hygiene instrument, be variably wired such thatas a function of the presentation being shown on the screen, forexample, such that at the end of a video game it serves on the displaydevice as a control key for operating the video game, more precisely, itserves as a navigation key for navigating a virtual screen elementand/or an avatar across the display device and/or across the backgroundimage presented thereon. If on the other hand, instead of such a videogame a configuration menu is being displayed on the display device, thecontrol key in question can serve on the personal hygiene instrument asa navigation key for controlling via the menu, which for example,permits clicking on various menu areas. The control key on the personalhygiene instrument consequently has a double or multiple function.

In another embodiment, the individually modified and/or generatedrepresentations and/or information can be stored individually, forexample, together with a code identifying a particular add-on componentof the personal hygiene instrument and/or in a storage module providedon the add-on component so that when the individual add-on component isadded on, the individually generated data can be called up and broughtto the screen of the display device to be displayed.

In one embodiment, in spite of the fact that it can be controlled fromthe personal hygiene instrument the display device is not affixedpermanently to either the base station or the personal hygieneinstrument, but rather, it is freely locatable so that it can besituated upon what is the most favorable location at any given time. Inone embodiment, the display device forms an individually positionablemodule separated from the base station and the personal hygieneinstrument, which has a communication interface for communicating withthe base station and/or the personal hygiene instrument even whenseparated from them. When designed as a stand-alone module the displaydevice can, regardless of the position of the base station, bepositioned in a place that can be clearly seen by a child or even anadult so that it is clearly visible even when the personal hygieneinstrument is moved back and forth as required by the directions—in thecase of a toothbrush in accordance with the cleaning movements withinthe mouth. Nevertheless, the screen presentation can—in the form of avideo game—be controlled interactively from the personal hygieneinstrument via the display communication interface. For this purpose thepersonal hygiene instrument can have a communication connection directlyto the display module or it can communicate indirectly via the basestation.

In order to have a simple and efficient power supply for the displaydevice without the need to be within a certain radius from the basestation and in spite of being able to position the display device atwill, in one embodiment, the display device is equipped with arechargeable battery which can be recharged by docking the displaydevice at the base station. In another embodiment, both the displaydevice and personal hygiene instrument can be recharged at the basestation.

The display device has in an advanced embodiment of the invention meansfor placing the device on a flat surface as well as a means of storagethat is fitted to the base station for storing the display snugly on thebase station. Using the form-fitted means of storage, the display devicecan be advantageously firmly docked in the base station. In an advancedembodiment of the invention the previously mentioned means for placingthe display device on a flat surface and the means of storage fordocking it on the base station can be integrated into one another and/ormutually supplementally designed. For example, projecting placement feetcan be placed into a complementary cradle on the base station.

In order to be able to keep the transmission power at a low level and toavoid large-scale data traffic, a game controller for controlling avideo game being shown on the display device can in one embodiment beintegrated into the display device so that only operational commands forinteractive operation need be transmitted via the communicationinterface. The transmitted operational commands, which come from thepersonal hygiene instrument, are directly processed on the displaydevice by the games controller, even when it is located at a distancefrom the base station.

In another embodiment, the base station and/or the personal hygieneinstrument may contain a game controller which handles at least some ofthe operational commands generated on the personal hygiene instrumentand transforms them into graphic commands which are transmitted eitherdirectly or indirectly via the base station to the display device. Gamesthat can be presented on the screen of the display device can havebasically quite different forms. In particular, games with controllableavatars whose movements can be interactively controlled from thepersonal hygiene instrument, can be used. For such use, variousdifferent functions and modes of presentation can be designed such thatthey are modifiable. In one embodiment, navigation control means can beattached to the personal hygiene instrument by means of which an avatarcan be navigated on the screen of the display device and guided acrossthe screen or the background provided on the screen. The navigationcontrol means can be designed in the form of a manually operated switchon the personal hygiene instrument and/or it can include detection meansfor detecting an operational parameter of the personal hygieneinstrument, as a function of which the avatar is navigated on thescreen. For example, a motion sensor, an inclination sensor, and/or anacceleration sensor can be built into the personal hygiene instrument;the signal from such a sensor will be converted to a navigation signalfor the avatar of the game being presented on the display device. In oneembodiment, the navigation signals—regardless of how they aregenerated—are synchronously converted to movements of the virtual imageor avatar in order to enhance the learning effect and to enforce theincentive to play.

In addition to the aforementioned separately designed display device thepersonal hygiene instrument can incorporate a display device that isattached to the personal hygiene instrument, for example, to indicatespecial events or to convey other information supplementally to theseparately designed display device. In one embodiment, the personalhygiene instrument can incorporate an indicator which can beautomatically operated from a control device and/or as a function of anoperational parameter of the personal hygiene instrument. For example,the indicator that is provided on the personal hygiene instrument itselfcan be used to indicate particularly interesting or important gamesituations on the separate display device.

The display device on the instrument can be designed in various ways,whereby in one embodiment simpler display means are provided on thepersonal hygiene instrument itself than on the separate display device.In one embodiment, the personal hygiene instrument can have a lightedhousing section and/or it can incorporate a lamp that can be placed onthe housing of the instrument housing. If the personal hygieneinstrument is a toothbrush, in one embodiment a light ring can beprovided on the front side of the handle, which can be made available invarious lighting states such as blinking and/or in differing colors.

If in one embodiment, the display on the instrument is controlled as afunction of the running of the game on the separate display device,then, for example, whenever the game on the separate display device isexpecting or requiring the input of an operational command, a signal canbe given on the indicator attached to the instrument, for example, inthe form of a blinking light. The indicator element on the separatedisplay device may be more complexly designed. For example, anelectronic indicator panel is provided, for example, in the form of anLCD screen.

In another embodiment, the display device can also form an electronicpicture frame into which—independent of the teeth brushingprocess—pictures can be inputted and shown from an attachable picturesource. Advantageously a switchover can be accomplished by means of theaforementioned switch key, in particular, from the personal hygieneinstrument.

In general, brushing teeth, while certainly necessary, is not equallyloved by everyone. Above all, children often are not motivated to brushtheir teeth. In order to counteract this lack of motivation, the timerequired for teeth brushing can be made interesting by theabove-described invention so that children can learn to spend more timeand more regularly brush their teeth, and to maintain the habit. Thiscan have a positive effect upon the health of the teeth.

The present disclosure concerns an electric toothbrush whichinteractively controls an external display. Various kinds of informationare available on this display; details are provided in the followingparagraphs.

The present disclosure concerns a toothbrush which in addition tofunction switches such as an On-Off switch, a mode selection switch,etc. has a switch with which an interaction can be carried out while theteeth are being cleaned. The action key on the handle does not interferewith the primary function of the device (cleaning), but instead offersthe possibility during the cleaning to control various functionalities.It can, for example, be a game or it can even serve to make certaininformation available during the cleaning (cleaning statistics,switchover from pressure control to cleaning time, to level of batterycharge, etc. . . . ). The interaction switch can, for example, belocated on the back side of the toothbrush or at another place.

One can inquire about the statistics using the statistics-query button.A statistics-query can result in the following information being madeavailable: length of cleaning time, cleaning time(morning-noon-evening), contact pressure, cleaning movements, cleaningpositions, etc. This information is detected for the specific user,evaluated, stored, and displayed. The user is identified by standardmeans via the brush head.

In one embodiment, the “status switch” may be located on the chargingstation or on the display device. In some embodiments, it can be locatedon the toothbrush. Using a child's toothbrush as an example, the parentscan monitor the length of cleaning time and cleaning times for thepreceding 5 days by pushing a button.

A device is provided for recognizing changes in condition and theenergy-save mode, which the functions of the toothbrush, which activatesthe functions of the toothbrush, the display, etc. only when the user isusing the toothbrush. By this means energy can be saved and batteryoperation periods lengthened. Removal of the toothbrush from thecharging station is detected and evaluated as follows. The followingsequence is possible: Removal from the charging station>creates adecrease of the current in the charging coil>the charge management orcontroller detects this condition and evaluates it. Starting up of therequired functions: for example, wireless protocol transmission to thedisplay device; execution of the functions: for example, the displaydevice turns itself on, greetings. This activation recognition can alsobe used for making information available, for example, greetings,announcement of the time of day, etc.

In another embodiment, the navigation is handled on the display devicewhile an animation or navigation is handled within a menu.

-   -   1. Navigation is accomplished by a mechanically actuated        navigation button. This button is wired to handle every        direction (4 directions: up, down, right, left) in the device,        having for each one key which registers the actuated direction        in each case.    -   2. Navigation is accomplished via the direction and movement        detection by means of acceleration and position sensors located        in the handle.        In another embodiment, the presentation of an animation is a        function of the cleaning process. The following point concerns        in general the shifting of pixels on the display screen as a        function of the detected position/condition of the toothbrush. A        sensor located in the toothbrush detects the movements of the        toothbrush. This sensor may be an acceleration sensor. Use of        optical means for detecting the position of the toothbrush in        relation to the face is also possible. The data concerning        movement are detected and transmitted to the display unit. The        animated figure in the display unit is controlled, for example,        simultaneously, as a function of the movements made in cleaning        This is particularly advantageous for children because by this        means they immediately see which cleaning movements they are        executing and they thus receive immediate feedback. This has a        positive effect upon their motivation for cleaning their teeth.        Thus, when a movement is made to the left, the animated figure        also moves to the left and the same relationship exists for        movements to the right and up and down.

If the toothbrush is moved to a different tooth, the animated figurealso leaps to a different tooth. Thus, the user is guided from tooth totooth and forgets less often to clean individual teeth or areas. Thiscan be accomplished by a change in the color or the gleam of thesymbolically presented tooth. Only after the user has cleaned the toothfor a sufficiently long period of time does the tooth change its color,for example, from beige to white.

The same thing can be done with parameters other than the position andmovement of the toothbrush. Thus, the animation can be controlled by thecontact pressure of the toothbrush. In one embodiment, a figure withinthe animation or a game can be caused to move by cleaning with thecorrect contact pressure. If the correct and recommended contactpressure is applied, the animated figure moves normally across the toothand from tooth to tooth. If the contact pressure is too high or too lowthe animated figure changes its movements or its color. Thus, if thepressure is too high, the color can, for example, change to red. Otheroptical or acoustical signals are also possible. Thus, a previouslydefined acoustical signal or a stored signal can be rendered. Thus, amelody, a voice, tones, or other acoustical sounds can be recorded andreproduced.

The brush can also be controlled from a sensor which detects the surfaceof the teeth and detects places that have not been cleaned. As long asthe tooth has not been sufficiently cleaned, no hint to move on to thenext tooth is forthcoming. If the user nevertheless moves on, a warningor instruction can be actuated.

-   Example 1 Children: A ball is supposed to be balanced on a seesaw.    If the contact pressure is too great, the ball rolls to the right;    if too little it rolls to the left.-   Example 2: A surfer is supposed to be kept on top of a wave. If too    much pressure is applied, he falls off the wave; if too little    pressure is applied, he is unable to ascend to the top of the wave.-   Example 3 Adults: A display with different colors.

In one embodiment, the following learning mode is provided.

If the unit senses incorrect or unfavorable cleaning movements, thisinformation can be conveyed to the user. This can be accomplishedoptically via the display by:

-   -   Text, which is inlaid,    -   Gestures/mimicking on the part of the animated character,    -   Discoloration of the tooth,    -   Acoustical signals such as chirping or voicing, or    -   Light emitting diodes or special symbols on the display (stop        sign, crossed through arrow, etc.).        Another extension of the present disclosure concerns        instructions for proper cleaning. These can, for example, be in        the form of special learning modes, a combination of learning        mode and cleaning mode, or they can be actuated only when the        teeth are clearly being incorrectly cleaned.

In the learning mode the correct cleaning movement is shown and the usercan immediately duplicate it. If, for example, circular movements arerecommended, an arrow which describes a circle can be shown on thedisplay screen. Another, differently colored line shows the presentposition of the toothbrush and the user can then attempt to make bothlines coincide. If a pressure sensor is mounted on the toothbrush, theuser can also be informed of both the recommended pressure and thepressure being currently applied. Here, too, any deviation can beillustrated graphically and in color.

In another version, contents of the game, animations, information, andprogramming are designed to be replaceable. By using differentindividually recognizable replacement brushes (refills) different games,animations and information can be transmitted or initialized. The brushrecognizes the refill, which is coded. From the code a determination ismade as to which refill is being used. Thus, the refill can be one thatis designed for children, for adults, for polishing the teeth, or forspecial inter-dental cleaning. Different animations are initializeddepending upon the function. Personalization of the refill is yetanother possibility. In a set mode an animation is established for thisrefill. This can be done via a touch screen or by using keys on thetoothbrush or on the display. If the appropriate mode has been stored,this animation is automatically initiated whenever the device is turnedon or removed from the charging station, whenever the refill has beeninserted.

In another embodiment it is possible to change the animation byreplaceable storage media containing programs (software). Thus, thereare different characters and expansion stages and learning andevaluation possibilities. Each user can find and use the expansion stageand animation suitable for him/her. Regular updates maintain theexcitement and the fun of cleaning.

Games for adults, quizzes, puzzles, crossword puzzles, etc. and learningprograms such as a word trainer can be shown on the display device. Inaddition, one embodiment provides for a reward and point-awarding systemwhen the teeth are cleaned regularly, to which statistical evaluationcan be added. The cleaning parameters of the different family membersare shown and statistically evaluated and can be displayed graphically.The data can also be transmitted to a computer via a suitable interface(USB). The presentation is actuated by the status head.

In another embodiment improvement points can be earned by the cleaningprocess as a function of length of cleaning, time of cleaning,regularity of cleaning, correct cleaning parameters, etc. With thispoints system children or parents and children can be animated tocompete, the result of which can be thorough and detailed teeth hygiene.

The result is high scores for family members. Names for the individualrefills can be stored via a PC or buttons or a touch screen display andthen shown on the screen. Also, loading of digital images is possible.The interplay among all cleaning parameters is stored by means of a codethat can be loaded on a home page, allowing a competition to be set upwith other children or adults. In another embodiment the handlescommunicate not only with the display and evaluation unit, both alsowith one another. This has the advantages that the cleaning programs canbe transmitted from one handle to the other.

Other versions concern a method for improving the motivation for teethcleaning or for improving the cleaning process or result. Itincorporates the following:

-   -   The handle of an electric toothbrush    -   Optionally one or more sensors which detect the current cleaning        parameters in the handle    -   A base or charging station    -   A display unit that is separate from the handle and base element    -   A wireless data transfer from the handle to the display and/or        the base station.    -   Optional touch screen for programming the operational conditions    -   Optional personalized refills through RFID.    -   An animated character or graphic that can be shown on the        display    -   Interactive feedback from the character during cleaning    -   Optionally replaceable software and characters    -   Whereby the character is animated by    -   Actions of the user or    -   The cleaning parameters are interactively changed by the actions        of the user,    -   whereby the user receives immediate feedback related to his        actions.        In another embodiment, the personal hygiene instrument may be a        razor.

Turing to the Figures, the teeth brushing device 1 shown in FIG. 1includes an electric toothbrush 2 which incorporates a grip-shapedhandle 3, which forms a grip, and also an add-on part 4 which isattached thereon, but can easily be removed and which in the depictedembodiment is a refill brush having an array of bristles 5, but can alsoin some cases have other cleaning elements such as plastic strips,inter-dental cleaner or the like.

Inside the handle 3 is a drive motor which can drive the array ofbristles 5 of the add-on piece 4 via a suitably designed drive train.Also inside the handle 3 is an energy storage unit which is in the formof battery that can be recharged via the charging connection 6. In oneembodiment, the charging connection 6 may be located on a rear endsection of handle 3 with which the handle can be laid or placed on thebase station 7 in order on the one hand to be out of the way when not inoperation and on the other hand to be able to be charged.

As FIG. 3 shows, the toothbrush 3 stands upright on the station body 8(which is essentially designed like a flat plate) of the base station 7,whereby in accordance with one embodiment the upright position isachieved without a locking form fit or the like, so that the uprightstanding toothbrush 2 can rock back and forth as FIG. 3 makes clear.

For this purpose, as a means of storage 9 a pair of form-fitted storagesurfaces 10 is provided, which form a pair of multiple-axis, tiltingsurfaces whose surface pieces fit snugly together. In the embodimentshown, storage surface 10 a for the station body 8 is specificallydesigned in the form of a rotationally symmetric basin, while the frontend of the handle 3 of the toothbrush 2 forms an egg-shaped ordome-shaped surface piece (or a surface piece that is in some othermanner rotationally symmetric, convexly domed), which snuggles into theaforementioned storage surface 10 a or 10 b or vaulted, or both have aleveled out area to enable the toothbrush to be stood up in the center.

To hold the docked toothbrush 2 in its upright position, magneticholders 11 are provided in the area of the means of storage 9 betweenthe toothbrush 2 and the base station 7, which have a centering effectand hold the said toothbrush 2 in its vertically standing position ofrest. The magnetic holders 11 contain a permanent magnet in the basestation 7 which attracts a metallic storage element, for example, in theform of a storage ring located in the end piece of the handle 3. Themagnetic holders 11 are advantageously designed such that a reactionaryforce is applied to the handle 3, when the handle 3 is or becomesretracted from its usual centered position. In the depicted embodimentthis reaction-inducing mechanism consists of the magnetic holders 11.

In this process the toothbrush 2 may be inductively charged from thebase piece 7. For this purpose the charging connection 6 of the handleis designed to work inductively as is the charging connection 12, whichis located on the base station 7 and works together with chargingconnection 6. Both charging connections 6 and 12 may be covered orencapsulated to protect them from their surroundings. More precisely,they can be mounted under the housing of the handle 3 or the basestation 7, so that the charging current can be transmitted withoutdirect contact. So that the magnetic fields of the standing device andthe electromagnetic alternating field do reciprocally overlay oneanother, both devices can be mounted such that they are “nested” witheach other. For example, in one version the stand magnet is designedsuch that it surrounds the induction spools for the electromagneticcoupling (for transmitting the charging current). Also a reversearrangement in which the coil encloses the stand magnets is provided inanother embodiment. The stand magnet is mounted in the base station orin the lower section of the handle. This object of the inductive energytransmission can be arbitrarily combined with other designs.

The base station 7 further serves as a place to put the display device13 which may incorporate an electronic display element 14 in the form ofa screen or a display, which can, for example, be designed as an LCDscreen. The aforementioned display device 13 is designed as astand-alone unit separate from the base station 7, which can be dockedon the base station 7 in order that it can be charged from the station,but it can also be operated separately at a distance from the basestation 7.

In the depicted embodiment the display device 13 incorporates a basebody 15, which forms the base of the display device 13 and holds theaforementioned display element 14. In one embodiment, a transparentcapping bell 16 is turned upside down over the aforementioned displayelement 14; the capping bell covers the display element 12 orencapsulates it and may be water-tightly connected to the aforementionedbase body 15 so that the display element 12 is imbedded under thecovering bell 13.

In one embodiment, for the provision of energy to the display element 14an energy storage device unit in the form of a battery is integratedinto the base body 15; it can be charged from the base station 7 via acharging connection 17. The charging connection 17 on the display device13 and the charging connection 18 on the base station 7, may be designedto work inductively, so that the charging current can be transmittedwith without contact and the charging connecting 17 or 18 can beimbedded to protect it against dampness, more precisely they can becovered under the housing of the particular piece.

As FIG. 1 shows, the underside of the base body 15 of the display device13 forms a surface upon which the display device 13 can be placed on anyeven surface. By means of a communication interface 19, which is notseparately shown, the display device 13 can communicate with thetoothbrush 2. For the purpose of wireless communication asender-receiver module may be provided on the display device 13, withwhich an equivalent sender/receiver module on the toothbrush handle 3can communicate, whereby data can be transmitted in both directions. Forexample, a Bluetooth interface can be provided on the display device 13and on the toothbrush 2 in order to establish a Bluetooth connectionbetween the two pieces.

The display device 13 also has a control device 20, which controls therepresentations on the display element 12 and converts the controlsignals received from the handle 3 of the toothbrush 2 to analogousgraphic commands for the presentation on the screen. In particular, thecontrol device 21 can present and control a video game on the displayelement 14 as is shown in the example in FIG. 2.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, on the display element 14 anavatar 22 and/or a virtual element are/is presented, which can be movedor guided across the screen and/or is moveable or guideable across thescreen background. In the depicted embodiment the avatar 22 is a figureof a child which can be moved across an island as well as within theunderwater world in front of the island in order to clean an underwaterreef, which symbolizes the teeth of a dental plate that are to becleaned.

The avatar 22 can be navigated across the screen presentation or thedisplay element 14 by the toothbrush 2. For this purpose the handle 3 ofthe toothbrush 2 incorporates means for controlling the navigation usedfor generating the navigation commands, which are transmitted via theaforementioned communication interface 19 or 20 to the control device 21which control the movements of the avatar 22 on the display element 14.As seen on FIG. 4, in the depicted embodiment the said navigationcontrol means incorporate a manually actuated navigation key 23, whichcan basically be designed in several different ways and can be shaped inthe style of the well-known mouse ball on a laptop, which recognizesactuations or applications of force in different directions, which itconverts to navigations signals for movements in different directions.

In order to make it simpler for children to navigate the avatar 22, thenavigation key 23 on the handle 3 is advantageously designed as aquadruple push button switch, which has four push button areas that areoriented in 4 directions, which may be positioned like a cross withrespect to one another. Applying pressure to one or even two contiguouspush button areas enables the generation of a navigation control signal(which can even be overlaid) for movement in the appropriate direction,which is converted to a movement of the avatar in the desired direction.In this regard a fixed direction assignment between the pushbutton areasand the screen can be prescribed, for example, such that applyingpressure to the push button area aimed at add-on component 4 alwayseffects a movement of the avatar 22 upwards toward the edge of the upperscreen, etc. Alternatively the direction assignment can also be afunction of the orientation of the brush depicted in the virtualpresentation, so that the virtual presentation of the brush regardlessof its rotational position on the screen, for example, is always movedto the right at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the virtualbrush representation, whenever the push button section that is locatedon the right on the real tooth brush is depressed. This is, however, acomplex control process, which is not well suited for children, but cannevertheless increase the motivation of adults to play.

Alternatively, the navigation key 23 can be a switch which must beactuated as soon as certain positions or configurations can berecognized on the display. In another alternative the navigation key 23is also an on/off switch for the electric toothbrush, for example, usinga longer period of depression for turning the toothbrush on and off thanfor operating the display functions. In another alternative the on/orswitch of the electric toothbrush and the navigation key 23 areseparate, for example, designed to be located on opposite or other sidesof the toothbrush handle.

In another embodiment, navigation control signals on the handle 3 canalso be derived from the operational parameters of the toothbrush 2. Inparticular, acceleration signals which correspond to the movements, inparticular, the cleaning movements of the toothbrush 2 can be generatedby means of suitable detection devices, for example, in the form ofmovement and/or acceleration sensors, so that the virtual representationof the avatar 22 and/or the virtual toothbrush being held by the avatar22 is navigated in accordance with the actual movements of thetoothbrush 2. In one embodiment, a tilt sensor, which detects the tiltor orientation of the toothbrush 2 in space, so that the avatar 22 doesnot move only back and forth, but can also be tilted, can also beintegrated into the toothbrush 2. In one embodiment, the screenrepresentation of the avatar 22 moves synchronously with the movementsand/or actuations of the push buttons on the toothbrush 2.

As FIG. 5 shows, the screen representation on the display device 13 canvia a switch-over device be switched over from the video game showingthe above-mentioned figures to an information presentation that is notconnected to the video game, whereby in the manner mentioned at thebeginning various information can be presented. In the depictedembodiment, a static evaluation of the cleaning period on particulardays is presented, which is generated by an evaluation module in thecontrol device 21. The following, for example, can be evaluated: Whethercleaning was done in the morning, at noon, and in the evening and howlong the cleaning was done in each case (see the bar length) and whethera threshold value was exceeded. Other operational parameters couldcertainly be evaluated and presented. In one embodiment, the evaluatedoperational data are individually stored, i.e., they are storedseparately for each user such that they may also be individually calledup. This can be done in such a manner that the evaluated operationalparameters and/or the other information are stored together with anidentification code that is assigned to a toothbrush brushhead. In thedepicted embodiment the cleaning times are those for a user named Joey.

The switch-over device for changing the screen presentation from thevideo game to the evaluation and vice versa can be actuated by aswitching key 25, which is provided in the form of a push button switchlocated on the display device 13 in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5.When various evaluation data sets have been generated by the evaluationmodule of the control device 21, for example, to make available variousevaluations of various operational parameters of a user or the evaluatedoperational parameters of various users, one can switch from one screenrepresentation to the other via the aforementioned switching key 25 bysuccessively depressing the switch multiple times. As FIG. 6 shows, ascreen control key 26, which can basically control various functions ofthe screen, can be provided on the handle 3 of the toothbrush 2. Inparticular, such a control key 26 can constitute a switching key bymeans of which what is being shown on the screen can be advanced and/orregressed in the manner and way described.

As FIG. 6 shows, the control key 25 can basically be mounted atdifferent locations and/or several such control buttons 25 can beprovided. In one embodiment, a control key can be mounted on the frontside of the handle 3, more precisely, in the area where the thumb comesto rest. In another embodiment, a control key 26 can be located on theback side of the handle 3, more precisely in the area where a fingercomes to rest.

In another embodiment, a control key 26 can also be provided in anothersection of the handle. The control key 26 can be basically designed tohandle different functions, more precisely, it can be variably wired,for example, such that as a function of the operational condition of thetoothbrush 2 and/or as a function of what is being shown on the displaydevice 13 a control key 26 can serve as the aforementioned switching keyfor changing what is being shown on the screen. If, for example, a videogame is running on the display device 13, a control key 26 can serve asthe said switching key for changing what is being shown on the screen.The aforementioned or another control key 26 can then alternatively,when a video game is running on the display device 13, serve as a switchbutton for actuating game functions, for example, the actions of theavatar 22. If in this regard, for example, the display device is beingused as an electronic picture frame onto which images are being loadedfrom an image storage source, one of the aforementioned control buttons26 can be wired such that it causes the images to switch from one imageto the next. If on the other hand, a control menu is being displayed onthe screen of the display device 13, for example, before a game isbegun, the control key 26 can serve as an ENTER key for actuating aswitch button for the purpose of selecting a particular game.

In another embodiment, the previously mentioned navigation key 23 canalso be wired to perform various tasks which, in particular, change as afunction of the operational state of the personal hygiene instrumentand/or as a function of what is being shown on the screen of the displaydevice 13. If, for example, a control menu is being displayed in themanner described above, the said navigation key 23 can serve as anavigation cursor in order to navigate via the control menu and toselect appropriate switch keys by clicking on them, for example, byquick sequential double-clicking of an actuating link. If in this regarda video game is being run on the display device 13, the aforementionednavigation key 23 can be used to control the avatar in the manner andway described above.

In another embodiment, the aforementioned control key 26 and/or theaforementioned navigation key 23 can be used in a program mode to changeindividually and/or to generate individually or to shape what is beingshown on the screen, for example, by generating in a name windowassigned to the avatar 22 an individually programmable name, which isthen used in the screen presentations of the video game.

The technical design of the aforementioned navigation and control keys23 and 26 on the handle 3 of the toothbrush 2 can basically bedifferent. In one embodiment, each such switch is covered with aflexible soft component, which enables the actuation of the switchlocated beneath it and at the same time assures that the switch issealed such that no fluid can enter. The flexible soft component can bean integral part of the housing of the handle 3, which, for example, canbe produced in a two-component injection molding process.

The flow diagrams shown in FIGS. 7 to 11 can be combined one with theother as desired or supplemented or changed by other sequences.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. A personal hygiene device comprising: a toothbrush; a base stationincluding a pair of form-fitted storage surfaces and a pair of magneticholders for holding the toothbrush in an upright standing position; anda display for displaying interactive representations, which arecontrollable from the display by means of a control device; the displaybeing a separately positionable module designed to be separate from abase station and the toothbrush; wherein the control device includes agame controller for controlling a video game on the display and aninformation controller for making information available on the display,such that a switching device operable by a switching key located on atleast the toothbrush or the display is provided for switching betweenthe game presentation generated by the game controller and theinformation presentation generated by the information controller.
 2. Apersonal hygiene device according to claim 1, wherein the informationcontroller includes an evaluation unit for evaluating recordedoperational parameters.
 3. A personal hygiene device according to claim2, wherein the operational parameters are selected from the groupconsisting of length of care, time of care, care movements, careposition, speed of toothbrush, acceleration of toothbrush, and contactpressure of toothbrush.
 4. A personal hygiene device according to claim1, wherein the control device includes a control key.
 5. A personalhygiene device according to claim 1, wherein the display furtherincludes a touch screen for inputting a user's individual information.6. A personal hygiene device according to claim 1, the display furthercomprises a selection device for selecting several storable games fordisplay on the display device.
 7. (canceled)
 8. A personal hygienedevice according to claim 1, wherein the device includes chargingconnections provided on the display and the base station for chargingthe display.
 9. A personal hygiene device according to claim 1, whereinthe toothbrush includes a chargeable energy storage device and aninductive charging connection for for charging the toothbrush.
 10. Apersonal hygiene device according to claim 1, wherein the displayincludes a game controller for controlling a video game displayable onthe display, to which processed game control commands can be sent fromthe game controller via a communication interface.
 11. A personalhygiene instrument according to claim 1, wherein the display includes asequential control module for automatically sequentially switching thepicture being displayed.
 12. A personal hygiene instrument according toclaim 1, wherein the toothbrush includes an additional display.